Israel

A month into office, Benjamin Netanyahu’s new government has pursued numerous policies that have been met with nationwide anti-government protests. In one of the largest protest movements ever seen in Israel, more than 100,000 people took to the streets of Tel Aviv on 21 January against PM Netanyahu chanting ‘No to dictatorship’ and ‘Democracy.’ Protestors have particularly reacted to the proposed judicial reforms package that would politicise the Supreme Court and limit its powers. Many analysts fear these changes could foster corruption, set back minority rights, and could lead to an institutional crisis and erosion of democracy. Other proposed legislation includes a bill that would enable the removal of Arab-led parties from the Knesset for voicing solidarity with Palestinian victims of Israeli government actions.

Protests Supreme Court Freedom of Association and Assembly Benjamin Netanyahu

Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in as Israel’s prime minister on 29 December, despite being currently on trial for corruption. The new government includes ultra-Orthodox and far-right parties that have pledged to expand illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, with some ministers convicted for crimes such as tax fraud, corruption and terrorism. The Knesset approved several bills throughout December in preparation for Netanyahu's government, including amendments to the Basic Law, which had prevented those who have been sentenced to prison from holding a ministerial position, and extended authority to National Security Minister over Israeli police force and Civil Administration in West Bank. This will be the most right-wing government in Israel’s history, and analysts warn that some of the new legislation it has proposed will inflame conflict, damage the judiciary, and restrict minority rights. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara warned that the new government’s legislative program threatens to turn Israel into a “democracy in name, but not in essence.”

Personal Integrity and Security West Bank Benjamin Netanyahu

Israel’s fifth election in less than four years has resulted in an apparent victory for a religious nationalist coalition led by former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption, was tasked with forming a government by President Isaac Herzog. A far-right government is expected as Netanyahu has pledged to seek national consensus with policies such as annexation of the West Bank, alterations to the role of the judiciary, and strict opposition to any territorial concessions with the Palestinians, generating national and international concern.

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict West Bank Elections Benjamin Netanyahu

Israel imposed new legislation that tightens control in West Bank and effectively entrenches Israel’s 55-year control over the Palestinian population in the territory. The Israeli military body responsible for civilian affairs in the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) released a wide-ranging policy imposing rules, reporting requirements, and restrictions for foreigners who want to enter Palestinian areas of the West Bank, extending its control of daily life and movement in and out of the occupied territory. The rules do not apply to people visiting Israel or the more than 130 Jewish settlements scattered across the West Bank.